Q+A with Ryan Clark

 Ryan Clark was a hard hitting safety for the Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers and NY Giants from 2002-2014. He recently retired after playing 13 NFL seasons. I've known Ryan for 6 years and know how important his faith in his life. Ryan was gracious enough to do a Q+A with me on a variety of topics including his faith.Me: What was your life like growing up?Ryan: I had an amazing childhood. Two loving parents that supported me in everything. They worked hard to provide everything I needed. I had a blessed up bringing.Me: Where did football begin to become a big part of your life?Ryan: I don't remember a time that football was a major part of my life. Ever since I can remember I've loved it. My dad played; my cousins, uncles played as well. They all wore 25 and started me with a ball as far back as I have pictures of myself.Me: Who were your heroes growing up?Ryan: My parents. Usually it's just one of their parents for most people, but for me it's both for different reasons. My mom was the most God fearing tender person I'd ever seen and my dad never refused a day of work to make sure we always had. I will love and respect both of them forever.Me: Tell me about your faith and how you came to be a believer in Jesus?Ryan: My mom didn't make Christ an option in our house and she gave me a foundation. From vacation bible school, to halloweens spent in church lock ins. Jesus was the center of our lives, our faith. I got to college and straddled the fence but always knew where my blessings came from. I met Mike Barrow as a rookie and he became my spiritual mentor. It was then I truly accepted Jesus as my Lord and savior!Me: How did you incorporate your faith into your job as an NFL player? -- Did you partake in bible studies or any kind of small group sessions during your career?Ryan: My house was always the bible study house. It was something I learned from Mike Barrow. Players are searching for God. They just need a place to go and locate him. As we grew in years my wife and I also grew our outreach. She would lead women's studies and we would share the task of organizing and hosting couples groups. It was a blessing to us. I also always loved chapel. Whether it was the team chaplan or an invited guest. Having the opportunity to spend that time in fellowship was amazing.Me: Who were some of the influences on you as a football player and a person early in your NFL career?Ryan: Omar Stoutmire and Mike Barrow are guys I quote constantly. Two men of faith and family. They both took a liking to me and never hid their true thoughts on what I was doing or how it affected my life. Whether it was faith, family or football they were always there for advice or an ear to listen.Me: You recently retired from the NFL on February 18. How hard was that decision and what are you most looking forward to in the next phase of your life?Ryan: The decision wasn't as hard as I thought. I knew it was time. God had open so many doors for me to walk through..... I'm looking forward to being a regular husband and father. I love waiting in car pool, cooking dinner, going to practices, watching games and anything involving family. I definitely love being around them more.Me: What person has been the biggest influence on your walk of faith?Ryan: My mom has been the steady influence in my walk. She is a constant reminder of what faith can do. She always prays with and for me. There isn't a day you call her and she hasn't just left or isn't planning on being in the house of worship. It inspires me to have that same connection to God.Me: What are you most proud of in your life?Ryan: I'm most proud of my family. I most certainly haven't done everything right as a husband or a father. We are happy, but most importantly we are together. I love to see them smile. I love to see them enjoy life. God willing, they'll continue to do both.